2018 Conference Program

The current federal administration has not prioritized climate action in a way that creates space for environmental progress during a time in which this is a global imperative. Decentralized climate commitments and local self-reliance has lead the way with movements such as We're Still In, The US Climate Alliance, RE100 and more. This year's GoGreen program will highlight that work by showcasing businesses and local leadership taking responsibility on climate action.

EnviroStars is a free, one-stop hub for Washington businesses to get information, help, and recognition for actions that protect their workplace, the community, and the planet. Led by a large coalition of cities, counties and utilities, EnviroStars links businesses to local environmental programs and incentives that can help them take green actions and get recognized for it. By joining the EnviroStars program, businesses experience more efficiency, lower utility bills, greater comfort, improved worker safety, and a more healthy and productive workplace. Whether your business is just starting to explore greener practices, or you're looking to take it to the next level, EnviroStars meets your business where it is today.

Keegan Johnson | Program Outreach Coordinator, EnviroStars

11:00am-12:00pm

Urban Watersheds: Innovative Public and Private Sector Initiatives ▼

This workshop will provide attendees with an understanding of the importance of businesses' responsible water use, how public and private sectors can best partner on this effort, and specific examples for water stewardship today (including innovations from BEF, Seattle 2030 District, VRE & Salmon Safe). The session will be interactive, sourcing directly from audience members what they want to hear about and learn before diving into the presentation and ending with intimate break-out sessions.

Traditionally underserved communities face higher rates of pollution from nearby freeways, railroads and railyards, airports, factories and waste sites. Furthermore, they rely more heavily on public transportation. These higher rates of pollution and higher rates of reliance on public transit, complemented by new funding streams, give reason to prioritize transitioning at risk-communities to zero emission alternatives. Many of the communities that stand to reap the most immediate public health benefits of improving local air quality through EVs, have lacked access to public charging. Private investments in charging networks have primarily been deployed at workplaces, retail, and corridor locations that are not readily available to communities facing air pollution's highest health costs. Given utilities' mandate to provide broad-based, reliable, and affordable systems across all socioeconomic classes, this session will explore how utilities are positioned to fulfill this infrastructure gap and discuss barriers to EV adoption including infrastructure costs, regulatory challenges, and operational or technical interoperability barriers that make the continued support imperative to equitable EV adoption.

Corporate, commercial, and residential customers are increasingly asking for clean energy options. This panel explores renewable energy trends, with speakers who can share resources and options for businesses and public agencies.

Ramping up Climate Leadership Commitments: How Non-State Actors are Leading the Way ▼

The Paris agreement in 2015 saw 195 of the world's governments commit to prevent dangerous climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. This signaled an acceleration in the transition to a low-carbon economy. Non-state actors around the country are increasingly demonstrating their continued support of the Paris Agreement and the imperative of this rapid transition through movements such as We Are Still In, The US Climate Alliance, RE100 commitments and more. Many companies are also already demonstrating that they have the skills, expertise and ingenuity to make this well below 2 degrees scenario outlined in the Paris Agreement a reality - but need ambitious emissions reduction targets and climate goals that ensure the transformation action they take is aligned with current climate science. This session will explore why companies are setting ambitious targets and how they plan to achieve their goals. It will also explore the potential for collaboration between companies, cities, states and regions to achieve their shared goals to aggressively reduce emissions through clean and efficient energy use, and the electrification of the transportation system.

Liberating the Environmental Sector: Building a Diverse Workforce With a Justice Lens ▼

According to the University of Michigan's Green 2.0 report, authored by Dorceta E. Taylor, professor at the School of Natural Resources and Environment, the "Green Ceiling," is very real. The term "green ceiling" refers to a 16% cap of people of color employed in green fields, including foundations, nonprofits, and government agencies. Despite people of color supporting the protection of the environment in greater numbers than white people, the green sector is deficient in people of color in leadership positions at government agencies, foundations, and non-profits. This panel will provide the audience with opportunities to think critically about institutional barriers that inhibit career growth for people of color thus hindering equitable advancement of environmental solutions. Panelists will provide examples by sharing the story of their career journeys in the green sector. Through an interactive dialogue, attendees will also have the opportunity to develop actionable strategies to dismantle institutional barriers to make change towards a more inclusive green movement.

This panel develops the rationale for why energy efficiency is the foundation of our "Clean Energy Future". We will explore a deep retrofit of the historic Terminal Building at Boeing Field, using the case study to learn how funding and design lessons can be applied to all projects for economic and environmental impact.

The saying goes that young people are the leaders of the future. Why wait until the future to create a community of diverse young professionals taking charge and changing the face, practice and future of conservation? Let's tear down the walls that have historically excluded young people's perspectives from critical discussions on equity, conservation, climate action and sustainability. This session showcases practical methods and powerful outcomes when creative young people have experiential learning and are empowered to explore equity, social justice and conservation across climate, water, food and ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. Learn how organizations across sectors can benefit from the insights of young innovators, and support emerging leaders though career pathways.

The Value of a Diverse Workforce: Change and Activate Your Company Culture ▼

The terms Diversity and Inclusion have become quite cliché in today's work environment. In our session we will redefine what diversity and inclusion in the workplace mean, challenge the authenticity of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and start addressing how to change the status quo- because it's not working.

Collaboration, partnership, and targeted investment can be powerful forces for spurring industry and region-wide change towards sustainability and equity. These case studies highlight businesses, governments and nonprofits that are creatively leveraging funds and partnerships to achieve renewable energy, zero-emission buses, carbon emissions reduction in construction, and land conservation and restoration. This panel discussion will explore how leaders are pushing for big regional wins for climate and ensuring these actions will serve communities equitably.

Brenna Davis | Vice President of Social and Environmental Responsibility, PCC Community Markets

4:00-5:00pm

Closing Plenary - When Brands Take a Stand: The Business Case for Corporate Activism ▼

Climate change, diversity and inclusion, immigration, public lands... Previously the standard approach, corporate political neutrality is no longer the norm. Beyond internal policies and practices, corporations are increasingly weighing in on a variety of public policy issues. This closing plenary draws on the leadership and activism of Microsoft, the Seattle Storm, and Fremont Brewing, examining what drives companies to take a stand, how risks are weighed, and the price of staying silent.